Illawarra paramedics should be included in a planned trial of body-worn cameras, says Labor's health spokesman Ryan Park. The Keira MP has this week written to NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard to ask for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District to be included in a 12-month trial of up to 100 cameras. "Unfortunately we have had a number of paramedics injured in the Illawarra over recent months," Mr Park wrote. "Given the size of the district and the variety of incidents that our local paramedics find themselves attending I believe this would make an ideal location to be part of the trial phase." Last week a Budget estimates hearing in Sydney was told that between 50 and 100 body-worn cameras would be trialled across metro and regional areas to see if they worked as an "effective deterrent". In April attacks on two Illawarra paramedics two days apart initially sparked calls from the Health Services Union for a trial of cameras, which were supported by Mr Park. "Paramedics put their lives on the line for us day in day out," he said. "They get punched, kicked, spat on and verbally abused, and yet they are the ones who are there for us when we need it. "The Liberal Government has been talking about added security for paramedics for a long time now but have done nothing about it. "I have written to the Minister calling on the Illawarra to be part of the trial because of the ongoing stories that come from paramedics about the volatile situations they have to attend every day. "I believe the government owes it to their staff to give them some protection in an increasingly violent and litigious world and should now press the button on paramedic cameras and get them rolled out as soon as possible." Secretary of NSW Health Elizabeth Koff told the hearing that Mr Hazzard was "very supportive of the trial" given the number of incidents associated with paramedics. "Three hundred offenders have been charged with assaults on paramedics since 2014," she said. "During the same period there have been 1200 reports of occupational violence against them. It is quite a challenging area for the paramedics; they go into unknown territory." Ms Koff said body cameras had been trialled by Ambulance Victoria, were in use by NSW Police and even Parramatta city council parking officers. "Sometimes it surprises you where occupational hazards may arise when people are unhappy," she said.

"Paramedics put their lives on the line for us day in day out," he said. "They get punched, kicked, spat on and verbally abused, and yet they are the ones who are there for us when we need it.

Paramedics put their lives on the line for us day in day out.

Keira MP Ryan Park

"The Liberal Government has been talking about added security for paramedics for a long time now but have done nothing about it.

"I have written to the Minister calling on the Illawarra to be part of the trial because of the ongoing stories that come from paramedics about the volatile situations they have to attend every day.

"I believe the government owes it to their staff to give them some protection in an increasingly violent and litigious world and should now press the button on paramedic cameras and get them rolled out as soon as possible."

Secretary of NSW Health Elizabeth Koff told the hearing that Mr Hazzard was "very supportive of the trial" given the number of incidents associated with paramedics.

"Three hundred offenders have been charged with assaults on paramedics since 2014," she said.

"During the same period there have been 1200 reports of occupational violence against them. It is quite a challenging area for the paramedics; they go into unknown territory."

Ms Koff said body cameras had been trialled by Ambulance Victoria, were in use by NSW Police and even Parramatta city council parking officers.

"Sometimes it surprises you where occupational hazards may arise when people are unhappy," she said.